Missing Person

My mind is haggard today because it's turned inside, reflecting upon itself. Trying to figure out what has happened, and resolving to turn it around.

I remember a young preacher whose faith was simple. He stood toe-to-toe and face-to-face against the time's leading liberal theologians. He refused to back down against teachings denying the physical resurrection of Jesus. He answered human theology with Bible truth, not just quoting scripture to hide behind it, but expounding on God's Word to expose the Truth. One of those theologians-- a direct student of Paul Tillich, no less-- asked the young man, "Why do you have to be such a renegade?" And the title stuck.

He had his own "Damascus Road" experience. His horse was a motorcycle. The road was a 4-lane highway. Thankfully, he wasn't blinded and thrown off his steed. But the call came from a voice in his ear, and was clear. He went on to defy barriers to his education and ordination. He rebuked demons, both human and spiritual, standing firm on his faith, and they backed down.

He stood on Christ alone. He preached one message, Jesus Christ. It was all about Christ, because he had the faith of a child--
Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Luke 18.16-17
--that is, he believed "just because."

That faith moved mountains that stood in the way. He rode with the Outlaws and the Bandidos, leading their marriages and burying their dead and giving them the Gospel. Hell's Angels opened a space in their riding column to let him join their ride.

He joined with others to lead street youth to hope and new life. A sainted lady took him by surprise when she told him that he is "a mighty man of God."

He was asked to preach in Africa. Thousands came to repentance and salvation. There his heart was broken for third-world widows, and he dedicated his life to helping them.

He did it all because Christ made him strong.

The cares of the world-- making a living, paying the bills, everyday life-- have eaten away at the heart. Worldly logic and reason fight against simple faith. The ministry for the widows has stalled with the economy, and the fact that people are turned on to help children, but turn cold about helping adult widows.

Basically, that young preacher has gone missing. I've resolved to find him and bring him back.